Need help picking studio lights?

[c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca]

Hello all,


I am trying to decide what lighting to buy to go with my D30. I am an amatuer that would like to go pro.
My two decisions are this.

Option 1

2 - 550 EX flashes
1 - ST E2 Wireless Transmitter
1 - 60 " Umbrella Translucent with black cover
1 - 45" "
Stands

Option 2 - this is a USED KIT

1 - Bowens Mono 400 DX Monolight
1 - Bowens Mono 200 CX Monolight
1 - Crown VS 202 Monolight
Comes with Snoot, softbox, Umbrellas, Barn Doors, and all stands.

Trying not to consider price as a determining factor.


This my interpretataion. Plus' for option 2 - 3 lights are better than 2. I am sure that the monolights are more powerful than the 550's. Costs about half of Option 1 Minus's for Option 2 - Not portable (needs ac power), USED, not wireless, no E-ttl, still need to buy a 550 for a flash.

Any info that would help me compare this setup ie specs of these lights, power comparison, shots taken with either setup would be greatly appreciated.
Also any info on using studio lights with a D30

PS I shoot mainly portraiture and pet portraiture

Thanks all,
Chris

[Gomez Photography]

http://www.white-lightning.com/
Try this site out. I have used these lights for years. They are great momo lights, all sizes & powers. They have a quick repair turn around time all the times I've broke them. The price is real good.Just be sure to use a pocket Wizard Radio Slave. If you dont ,you will fry your sync. Good luck. Michael

[c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca]

Who makes the pocket radio slave?

Chris

Do you have a link?

[Wayne Booth]

c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca wrote:
Who makes the pocket radio slave?

Do you have a link?

Mamiya makes the Pocket Wizard

The PocketWizard website is at: http://www.pocketwizard.com they cost $350. plus

User forum: http://63.236.31.8/webx?14@168.RpjDaVrybOb^2@.ee70441

I just bought the Wein SSR system about $160. from B and H or Adorama. For $50. more I can make my Minolta V flash meter (or any meter) wireless also with the Meter-Mate 2. I love it and less than half the price.

[swerst]

In lieu of the two 550 EX flashes for option 1 you might consider a pair of Sigma EF 500 Supers. At slightly less than half the price of the Canons, they provide a rather attractive alternative, albeit with slightly less power.

I recently purchased a pair, and though I haven't had much time lately to experiment with them, I haven't found any glaring incompatabilities yet.

[c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca]

As far as the Sigma's go. Can you set one up as master and one as slave? Or would I need to get the transmitter from Canon?

Thanks
Chris

[swerst]

Like the 550EX, the Sigma flash can act as either the master or the slave. I've actually used it as a slave with a 550EX as the master, but haven't yet tried the other way around. The two flashes are supposed to have identical features. If you need to have two off-camera flashes, a third Sigma, with the option not to fire the flash, is actually cheaper than the Canon ST-E2 transmitter.

If you decide to go this route make sure you get the EF-500 Super (about $180 US) and not the EF-500 ST (about $130 US). The latter doesn't have E-TTL, or at least not wireless E-TTL.

[c.gallant@ns.sympatico.ca]

Just found out that the Bowens lights are somewhere between 15-20 years old. Does this add weight to either decision?

And does anyone know how a 550 compares to watt/seconds?

Thanks
Chris

[rojoyinc]

Forget the 550's if you think you're gonna go pro.
These are not studio flash units and will not give you the power level or the recharge rate or the control you'll require as a pro.

The bowens monolights are old. I'd probably pass unless they are dirt cheap.

I'd look at it like this:

If you want to go pro, then go pro - get pro lights. I use photogenic studio masters and White lightning Ultra's.
Do it right.

Also remember that to go pro you need not only pro equipment but also pro level knowledge. I see dozens of "gonna go pro" guys pop up around here each year, and by the looks of their work. (they really shouldn't)
they close up in not months but weeks. I don't know why but many people think they can compete with pro's just because they get a digital camera and feel they can take good pictures. Apparently they don't feel the need to have any formal training in the field.

If you're seriously looking to go pro and feel you can compete in the field. Then get the proper equipment.